Narrow smiles are smiles that aren’t very wide. As a result, when you smile, you may not see all of your teeth or the whole dental arch. Numerous variables, including genetics, dental development, jaw structure, and tooth misalignment, might contribute to a narrow smile. Sometimes having a narrow smile might be a cosmetic issue for people who want a wider, more balanced smile.
To correct a narrow smile and attain one that’s more aesthetic, dentists in Lethbridge use treatments like orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, or oral surgery. If this is something that you’re looking to address, please contact your local dental professional today.
Can a Narrow Smile be Fixed?
Yes! Several methods can be performed to remedy or enhance a narrow grin. Your dentist will examine your smile and review your case to see if you’re a good candidate for any of the following options:
- Orthodontics: Treatments like braces or clear aligners can help widen the dental arch and correct misalignment issues. These methods move teeth gradually into their proper positions, creating a broader and more harmonious smile.
- Dental Bonding or Veneers: Bonding entails applying a resin to a patient’s tooth to improve their shape. Veneers, on the other hand, can improve teeth by applying porcelain or composite shells to their front surface. Both bonding and veneers can be used to close gaps, widen teeth, and create a more natural looking smile.
- Dental Crowns or Bridges: If a smile is caused by missing or damaged teeth, crowns or bridges are a great option to consider. These restorations are custom-made to match the color and shape of a patient’s natural teeth, creating a broader and more complete smile.
- Jaw Surgery: Sometimes, a narrow smile can be due to jaw structure issues. Orthognathic, or corrective jaw surgery, is done to reposition the jawbone and improve facial balance. In turn, this improves one’s smile.
With all this said, it’s very important to consult with a dentist near you before undergoing any form of treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. They can determine the most suitable treatment option for your narrow smile by considering your needs, current oral health status, and your desired outcome to create a personalized treatment plan.
How Does Invisalign Widen a Smile?
The following are some ways that opting for Invisalign in Lethbridge can help broaden a smile:
- Interproximal Reduction (IPR): In some cases, the teeth may have too many points of contact or overlapping edges, giving the illusion of being narrow. Dentists or orthodontists can perform a service known as interproximal reduction (IPR) or tooth stripping during Invisalign treatment. In order to make room, a small portion of enamel between your teeth is carefully removed. Your teeth can be progressively shifted into a healthier alignment and given more room.
- Expanding Dental Arches: Invisalign aligners can be designed to apply gentle pressure to certain teeth to encourage the growth of dental arches. Patients with narrow dental arches may find this to be especially helpful. The aligners are developed specifically to progressively move the teeth, allowing for a wider arch and a wider grin.
- Bite Correction: An additional goal of Invisalign treatment is to address bite problems such as overbite, underbite, or crossbites. Teeth are guided into optimal locations during the treatment. When this occurs, your bite is properly aligned also, which can result in a broader, more pleasing grin.
It’s important to note that not every case involving narrow smiles can be corrected with Invisalign treatment. Depending on the severity of the issue and other underlying factors, additional measures may be needed in conjunction with or after the treatment.
Are You Ready to Refine Your Smile?
Consulting with one of our experienced Invisalign providers here at Absolute Dental will help determine if receiving Invisalign near you is the right option for you. Our team looks forward to meeting and working with you to get your smile looking as beautiful as possible.
Please message us today to learn more.